Updated vaccines to protect against the latest strain of Covid-19 could be available soon

the FDA is giving the green light for updated covid vaccines from fizer and modna which have been designed to better protect against the current circulating variant of the virus the best plan going into this winter is for everyone to remain Vigilant to use the tools we have vaccines testing treatment against the illnesses responsible for the majority of Fallen winter deaths and hospitalizations the FDA says vaccinations continue to be the Cornerstone of covid-19 prevention and can help avoid the lingering symptoms of long covid the only way you get long covid is by having covid and vaccines can help prevent covid updated shots are expected to be available at pharmacies and in doctor's offices in the coming days or weeks they release coming just as kids are returning to school the updated versions are approved for those over 6 months old and medical professionals are encouraging anyone who's at high risk due to age or underlying health conditions to get vaccinated as soon as possible Health experts recommend getting vaccinated sometime in September or October it's going to take a few weeks to get that protection which may last for several months heading into what may be a winter surge but vaccine records show many Americans have not been staying up to date on covid shots last year about 22 to 25% of people got the updated booster which obviously takes down the total population immunity so we should be focusing on education and awareness the FDA says you are eligible for the updated vaccines at Le Le two months after having your last shot and if you recently tested positive for the virus the CDC says you may want to wait 3 months after having covid to get these updated vaccines and for those who like to keep covid rapid tests on hand for the third year in a row the government is planning to relaunch its covid test. goov website at the end of next month once again offering free tests Alex Stone ABC News Los Angeles